River Open — west-side trout

South Fork McKenzie (French Pete)

Blue River, OR · about 80 min from Eugene (typical, off-peak)

The McKenzie fork Fly Fisher's Place sends small-stream anglers to — below the reservoir, not a secret turnout.

Salt River / stream Lake / pond Shop (desk) Guide only Parking Stay State access Private — ask first

Around now

Most likely in this drive this week. Not a guarantee — confirm the official rule.

Salmon
Trout
Smallmouth bass

Also worth a thought: Largemouth bass, Sunfish and crappie.

Season

Typical opener Apr 25 through October. Wild fish, flies, and C&R stretches are common. Confirm ODFW. Official rule

License

Oregon angling license (ODFW)

Park

USFS French Pete Campground on Aufderheide / FR 19 below Cougar Reservoir. Vault toilet, river access from camp.

Walk in

Short from camp to the South Fork.

Wading

Wadable in summer. Winter is pushy.

Usual window

After Cougar spills drop. Confirm ODFW.

Tuesday conditions

SSW 3 mph around dawn. Fine to go.

Sky: 🌧️ 73° rain
Sun and moon: Rise 9:30 · 🌖 Waning gibbous · Set 10:47
Wind at dawn: SSW 3 mph · Partly Cloudy · 54°F
Wind later: dawn: SSW 3 mph

10am: SSW 2 mph

2pm: SW 2 mph

dusk: W 6 mph

A setup that belongs here

4- or 5-wt, dry-dropper.

Notes

Named USFS. Fly Fisher's Place small-streams page. Confirm ODFW.

Maps Call shop

Log this trip

Private. On this phone, and in your test book if you signed in on Journal.

Shops

The Caddis Fly Angling Shop

168 W 6th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
Call — valley hours

Willamette Valley desk. McKenzie, the Willamette, and a first Oregon trout day.

Call Website

Guides

Shop desks, plus a few independents who fish public water. We do not take a cut. Call them.

The Caddis Fly — book a day

Eugene, OR · wade / drift · Half or full day

Good for: McKenzie and Willamette Valley public water

Shop desk. Ask who they send west of the Cascades.